West Coast council defends its flood plan after critics say it doesn't go far enough
The West Coast Regional Council has defended its plans for flood protection in Westport, with its chairman saying it's time for action “not hand-wringing”.
It has presented two options for the town, which was inundated with floods on July 17 and 18 that forced more than 2000 of its 4500-odd residents to evacuate and left more than 460 homes damaged.
The Buller District Council criticised the two options for floodwalls and stopbanks along the Buller and Orowaiti rivers, saying the regional council did not take climate change or liquefaction into account and one of the options was no better than doing nothing.
Regional council chairman Allan Birchfield and acting chief executive Heather Mabin said the working group made the deliberate decision to design the floodwalls and stopbanks to the current climate scenario rather than a future scenario because affordability for ratepayers was key.
“This is time for action, not hand-wringing and engaging more and more experts," Birchfield said.
Read more here.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.4% 1st December
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17.6% A week before Christmas
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33.3% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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83% Yes
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14.5% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
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